Honda's Ridgeline pickup has been a very strong seller since its initial introduction into the North American-market in 2004.
And while the first-gen broke the mould for sport pickups, the second-gen has certainly grown up in terms of technology and refinement. It features many carry over elements from the first Ridgeline including a flat bed, a dual action tailgate, a rear 'magic seat' similar to the Honda Jazz, and a flat floor beneath it.
Interestingly, unlike its competitors - the Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and the Hilux's North American cousin, the Toyota Tacoma - it is primarily front-wheel drive, while AWD is an option. Despite being powered by a 210kw/355nm 3.5-litre V6 i-VTEC motor, it can only pull 2,3 tons (whereas most of our local bakkies can lug 3.5 tons). That said, it’s based on the same platform as the Honda Pilot, which means it handles more like a luxury crossover, rather than a lumbering pickup.
Unfortunately for South Africans, the Ridgeline is exclusive to North America, but if Honda SA did make a pickup, would you consider one?
Also worth a look: the Honda Amaze and the Honda Elevate: WR-V Successor Debuts in SA.
FAQ
Q: Is the Honda Ridgeline available in South Africa?
No, the Honda Ridgeline is exclusively sold in North America and Honda SA has no plans to bring it to our market.
Q: What engine does the Honda Ridgeline have?
The Ridgeline is powered by a 210kW 3.5-litre V6 i-VTEC engine that produces 355Nm of torque, making it reasonably punchy for a pickup.
Q: How much can the Honda Ridgeline tow?
The Ridgeline can tow up to 2.3 tons, which is considerably less than most South African bakkies that can pull 3.5 tons.
Q: Is the Honda Ridgeline front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
The Ridgeline comes standard with front-wheel drive, which is unusual for a pickup, though all-wheel drive is available as an option.
Q: What makes the Honda Ridgeline different from other pickups?
The Ridgeline features a flat bed, dual-action tailgate, rear magic seats like the Honda Jazz, and handles more like a luxury crossover than a traditional pickup thanks to its Honda Pilot platform.
Should You Buy It?
You can't buy the Honda Ridgeline in South Africa, so this is purely hypothetical braai talk. If Honda SA did bring it over, it would likely cost around R800,000 to R900,000 based on similar premium pickups. Honestly, it would be a tough sell here because it can only tow 2.3 tons compared to the Hilux's 3.5 tons, and most South Africans want proper bakkie capability, not a lifestyle truck. The Ridgeline would appeal to suburbanites who want something different and don't need serious towing power, but for now, you're better off with a Hilux, Ranger, or Navara that you can actually buy and service locally.
